accustomed to walk to the places in which He intended to preach; but on this, He enter* Jerusalem in this unusual manner, to teach mankind that poverty, humility, and meekness are the proper badges of His divine royalty. In this action Christ literally fulfilled the prophecy of Zacharias: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout for joy, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, the King will come to thee, the Just and Saviour. He is poor, and riding upon an ass. (Zach. ix. 9.)
II. Christ adopted this manner of entering the city to show us with what alacrity He went to suffer, as if He had been going to take possession of a kingdom: as indeed He was, according to the expression of the hymn, " He reigns on the tree." He wished, also, to give us an example of triumphing in the midst of reproaches and contempt. His love for us prompted Him to render His passion as severe as possible, by increasing the glory which preceded it. " Being exalted," as the prophet said, " I am humbled." (Ps. lxxxvii. 16.)
III. " Hosanna to the son of David." (Matt. xxi. 15.) This expression of joy and respect proceeded from the • poor and lower order of society and not from the rich, from whom the mysteries of poverty and humility are often concealed. But mark the fickleness of the human heart: in a few days their cry was changed into "Crucify Him, crucify Him!" (Luke xxiii. 21.) The favor and applause of the world are ever of this nature. How foolish, then, is it to pursue this inconstant shadow as the end of our existence! livery Christian should be able to say with St. Paul, " God forbid that I should glory, but in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Gal. vi. 14.)
